Historic rugby grudge match returns to London

Scotland’s ancient academic rivals Edinburgh and St Andrews will meet in London next month in the annual Scottish varsity rugby match.

RFU Championship side London Scottish will host the much-anticipated grudge match at their 4,500-capacity Athletic Ground in Richmond, West London on Friday 28 September with thousands of supporters and alumni from across the country expected to attend.

Last year’s game saw Edinburgh run out 28-8 winners, and anticipation is already building ahead of this year’s clash with St Andrews keen to get one back on their old rivals.

Scottish Rugby vice-president, Ian Rankin, who will be attending the match, is keen for the sport’s governing body to lend more support to the university game.

Rankin said: “University rugby is an important part of Scottish rugby and it’s important that we make efforts to increase the profile of the oldest university game in the world as it is a proud part of our heritage.

“Not only can the best university players go on and play for the best of the RBS Premiership clubs but student rugby is also important to the rugby system by keeping people involved in the sport throughout their life”.

The historic fixture celebrates its 142nd anniversary next month, making it the oldest varsity match in the world, pre-dating English counterparts Oxford and Cambridge – who usually clash at Twickenham – by a year.

David Ross, St Andrews director of rugby, said: “London Scottish are enabling us to take our brand of Scottish rugby to the large portion of graduates that live in London and the south east of England.

“The game can draw a crowd on par with a British and Irish cup match or potentially one of the Scottish pro-team games.”

The match brings to the fore the deep traditions that both of these Scottish Rugby founder clubs have in the sport.

David Adamson, Edinburgh University head coach, added: “The varsity match always give us an opportunity to get one over on our rivals.

“This year will be interesting as we will be an unknown quantity due to the number of fresh faces incoming this season.”

Both institutions employ experienced full-time staff to coach and develop the sport at their university, with Ross and Adamson both previously involved in developing age-grade rugby at Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh respectively.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the London Scottish website. A bar, barbeque, and a live band will also provide entertainment on the night.

Historic rugby grudge match returns to London